Crab Salad (Seafood Salad)

Crab Salad (Seafood Salad) – A Fresh and Flavorful Delight

Crab salad, often referred to as seafood salad, is a light, refreshing dish perfect for a summer lunch, dinner appetizer, or even as a party side dish. Combining the delicate sweetness of crab with crisp vegetables and a creamy, tangy dressing, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying. Whether you’re using real crab meat or imitation crab (surimi), this seafood salad is sure to impress with its vibrant flavor and colorful presentation.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

1 lb (450 g) imitation crab meat or fresh lump crab meat
1 cup celery, finely chopped
½ cup red onion, finely chopped
½ cup red bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
¼ cup fresh parsley or dill, finely chopped
1 cup cooked pasta shells (optional, for a pasta version)
Lettuce leaves or mixed greens for serving (optional)

For the Dressing:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or a mix of paprika, celery salt, and black pepper)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Method to Make Crab Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Crab Meat

If using imitation crab:

Shred or chop the crab sticks into bite-sized pieces. You can pull them apart with your hands for a stringy texture or dice them into cubes, depending on your preference.

If using real crab meat:

Pick through the meat to ensure there are no bits of shell, and gently flake it apart.

Place the prepared crab in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Chop the Vegetables

Dice the celery, red onion, and red bell pepper into small, uniform pieces to ensure a consistent texture and even distribution of flavor.
Chop the fresh parsley or dill finely.
Add all the vegetables and herbs into the bowl with the crab meat.